How should I take vandetanib?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Vandetanib is usually taken once per day, with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush or chew it. Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
If you cannot swallow a tablet whole, place it into a glass with 2 ounces of plain water. Stir until the tablet is dispersed (it will not dissolve completely). Drink this mixture right away. Add 4 ounces more more water to the glass, swirl gently and drink right away.
The dispersed tablet mixture can also be given through a nasogastric (NG) or gastronomy feeding tube. Follow your doctor's instructions.
You will need blood tests and an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG) every 2 weeks to 3 months. Your dose or medication schedule may be changed based on the results.
If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use this medicine. You may need to stop taking vandetanib for at least 1 month before having surgery. Follow your doctor's instructions about when to start taking the medicine again.
Do not stop taking vandetanib unless your doctor tells you to. If you stop for longer than 2 weeks for any reason, do not start taking vandetanib again without asking your doctor. You may need an ECG before you start taking the medicine again.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.